Sometimes the work we do transcends business. It becomes something deeply human and touches you.
A few years ago, I came across a case involving a woman who had lost her home to foreclosure. She was around 72 years old, widowed, and aware that there were surplus funds owed to her from the foreclosure sale. Despite her efforts, she had been unable to recover the money. When I learned about her situation, I decided to step in.
I reached out to the State Treasurer’s office, hoping to get clarity. The Treasurer told me, “I know about this case, but I don’t think you’ll ever be able to help her and get her money.” That comment stuck with me, it wasn’t said with malice, but with resignation. Many people had probably tried and failed. But I wasn’t ready to accept that.
I made a series of calls, tracked down every lead, verified the proper paperwork, and when all the pieces were in place, I assigned one of my attorneys to the case. About thirty days later, the woman received her check: nearly $88,000.
A few days after that, I got a letter in the mail. It was handwritten, tear-stained, and full of gratitude. She thanked me repeatedly for helping her recover what she thought was lost forever. She said the money changed her life, but truthfully, her words changed mine.
At first, surplus recovery was just a business for me. But that moment reminded me why I do it. It’s not always about the money. It’s about giving hope back to people who thought all hope was gone.
That woman’s letter still sits in my desk drawer. Whenever I need a reminder of what integrity, persistence, and compassion can do, I read it again and it grounds me every single time. and puts a smile on my face.
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